Help with RAM (limited) selection.

[dnut_00]

Hi.

So, my computer purchase got delayed , but I've got a chance to get RAM at a discount at some small (but reputable) local store, due to some other, unrelated purchase. Problem is - there is a limited availability of brands and types. I am torn what to get. Please help.

Prices largely match (accounting for USD conversion) the listed below on newegg, before the discount (may be able to push it somewhere to around 10 - 15% probably), so ditiching the store and ordering from newegg or amazon (after the delivery charge, no free shipping here) doesn't make a lot of sense.

I thought of going with 2x8GB (some gaming, mostly dev. work and office, initially wanted only 8GB).

The list is limited to:

G.SKILL Value Series 8GB 1333
CORSAIR 8GB 1600
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB 1333
Kingston 8GB 1333
Kingston 8GB 1600
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB 1600

Dual sticks.

G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1333
CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1600

In case of CORSAIR, I am not sure whether to get 1 + 1 or a kit, since the price difference is 0.

I am also not sure how 1333 would fare against 1600 in i5 4670K + Gigabyte UD3H MB (which I plan to mildly overclock at some point).

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

 

[Charlie98]

Corsair Vengance 2x 8GB 1600 would be the logical choice.

 

[dnut_00]

From price perspective? So at around $160 - $170 it would be better than 2 x 8GB G.Skill at $125 - $135 or so?

 

[Charlie98]

From price perspective? So at around $160 - $170 it would be better than 2 x 8GB G.Skill at $125 - $135 or so?

Didn't catch the price... No, for that price difference I would take the 2x 8GB G.Skill 1333.

...or this.

...or this, even.

 

[dnut_00]

I'd love the last vengeance you've put... but alas, the store doesn't have it. They only have the 4GB version and I am reluctant to go 4x4.

May be I should do 2x4GB and upgrade later?

Would 1333 or 1600 make any real difference (I've read up on it quite a bit, but most seems to relate to gaming, which is less relevant for me) in development work (assuming there is may be 1 - 2 limited VMs, not all the time).

 

[Charlie98]

I'd love the last vengeance you've put... but alas, the store doesn't have it. They only have the 4GB version and I am reluctant to go 4x4.

May be I should do 2x4GB and upgrade later?

Would 1333 or 1600 make any real difference (I've read up on it quite a bit, but most seems to relate to gaming, which is less relevant for me) in development work (assuming there is may be 1 - 2 limited VMs, not all the time).

For most users 2x 4GB is adequate, it's what I'm running with my W7 desktop. My HTPC is running 2x 2GB and is fine... but I, obviously, don't game or do normal office-type functions on that PC.

In real-world use, I don't think you'll see much difference between 1333 vs 1600, not enough to warrant an extra $40.

I would get what you are going to get now, rather than trying to find another set with matched timings later on down the road.

 

[dnut_00]

Thank you.

Would I be able to OC the RAM if the desire arises? I've read that it's a crapshot.

 

[nwo]

Thank you.

Would I be able to OC the RAM if the desire arises? I've read that it's a crapshot.

OCing the RAM usually means having to increase the timings. Therefore it's a trade-off and you basically gain nothing by increasing RAM frequency as well as timings.

It never hurts to try though.